​are only beneficial if you are unable to obtain sufficient Vitamin D from food and sun exposure.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes the absorption of calcium from our diet, keeping our bones strong and healthy.

Vitamin D is primarily made in skin exposed to the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays of the sun. To get an adequate amount of vitamin D, try letting the sun shine on your arms and legs twice a week for about five to 30 minutes. The best time to do this is between 10am and 3pm. If you have paler skin, you need less sun exposure than those with darker skin.

The melanin pigment in dark skin provides natural protection against the absorption of ultraviolet rays, which is why people with darker skins need greater sun exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D. In the elderly, the re​commended sun exposure may not be sufficient since ageing affects the skin’s ability to convert sunlight into vitamin D efficiently. A vitamin D deficiency can put you at a higher risk of serious medical conditions such as osteoporosis.

Vitamin D supplements

Supplements are only beneficial if you are unable to obtain sufficient vitamin D from food and sun exposure. In the case of supplements, more is not better. It is important not to exceed the HPB’s recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin D (see RDA table above) to avoid side effects and toxic build-up in the body. Fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D can build up in the body and are not as easily eliminated as water-soluble vitamins.

Always check with your doctor or dietitian before starting a vitamin D supplement or any high-dosage supplement.

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